A Lively Experiment

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Product Code:BHPS-004

Description

Baptists were imprisoned, beaten and executed for their faith in colonies surrounding Rhode Island. Across the Atlantic, however, a man named John Clarke was penning the charter of a "lively experiment" that would set the foundation for the Constitution of the United States and the religious liberty its citizens would enjoy. Depicted is John Clarke receiving the charter for Rhode Island from King Charles II.

Excerpts from Historical Sketch...Two factors motivated John Clarke to return to his native land in 1651 to petition the King for a new charter for the colony of Rhode Island. The beating of Obadiah Holmes in Boston, Massachusetts was one factor. Religious liberty, found only in Rhode Island, had to be protected! The encroachment of other New England colonies upon Rhode Island was the other factor. Rhode Island itself had to be protected! As the sole representative of Rhode Island, John Clarke labored in England for twelve years to secure the new charter.

...Letters from John Clarke to King Charles II indicate that much of the wording contained in the document is from the pen of Clarke. His most enduring phrase, “A Lively Experiment” is emblazoned on the façade of the Rhode Island State House.

...Within the charter the King expressed his hope that, “There may, in time, by the blessing of God upon their endeavors be laid a sure foundation of happiness to all America.” His hope was prophetic as this charter was a forerunner of the Constitution of the United States. The lively experiment was tried and proven in Rhode Island, and the principles of liberty which were first set forth there are the basis of government for every state in the union.